Avoid scams
Nobody legitimate asks you to pay them through a bitcoin ATM: not the IRS, police, a utility, or a grandchild in trouble.
Stop. This is a scam.
Nobody legitimate asks you to pay at a bitcoin ATM: not the government, the police, your bank or any business. Money you put in can't be taken back.
What to do now
- Hang up. Stop answering their calls and messages. You don't owe them an explanation.
- Don't scan, don't put money in. Not a QR code they sent, not a wallet address they gave you. Money put into a bitcoin ATM can't be taken back.
- Call the real organization yourself. Use the number on your bill, your bank card or statement, or the official website. Never the number the caller gave you.
- Tell someone you trust. A family member, a friend or the store clerk. Scammers want you to keep it secret.
Get help and report it
- AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360Free support and guidance if you've been targeted by a scam. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. Translation available on the call.Source: AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline
- National Elder Fraud Hotline (U.S. Justice Department): 833-372-8311A case manager helps you report it to the police and other agencies and find local help. For people 60 and older and those calling for them. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, in English, Spanish and other languages. In danger right now? Call 911.Source: U.S. Justice Department, National Elder Fraud Hotline
- Report it to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov · 877-382-4357Online, or call the FTC Consumer Response Center.Source: FTC: Losses to Bitcoin ATM scams (2024)
- Report it to the FBI: ic3.govAt the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Include the receipt, the wallet address, the machine's location and the scammer's phone numbers. Also file a report with your local police.Source: FBI IC3: Cryptocurrency kiosk scams (May 2026)
Already put money in? Call the operator's number on the machine or the receipt right away, and see what else to do.
Signs it's a scam
Someone stays on the phone
They rush you, or tell you what to press while you're at the machine.You were given a QR code
Someone else's wallet address means the money goes to them, and it can't be reversed.It's to “protect” your money
Or to pay a fine, a utility bill, or bail for family. Real agencies never take bitcoin.
What scammers say
- “You owe the IRS / there's a warrant for your arrest.”
- Government agencies never ask for payment by bitcoin ATM, gift card or wire.
- “Your bank account was hacked; move your money to keep it safe.”
- Your bank will never ask you to withdraw cash and put it into a crypto machine.
- “Your computer has a virus” (a pop-up with a phone number).
- Tech companies don't call you or ask for payment to fix a computer.
- “Grandma, I'm in jail and need bail.”
- Hang up and call your family member on a number you already have.
- Someone you met online needs money, or has an investment that can't lose.
- Romance and investment scams often build trust for weeks before asking.
- “Your power will be shut off in one hour.”
- Utilities don't take bitcoin. Call the number on your bill.
If you already paid
- Stop sending money and stop talking to whoever asked for it.
- Call the machine's operator right away (the number is on the machine and the receipt). They can sometimes stop a transaction if you act fast.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI at ic3.gov.
- Keep the receipt, the wallet address and any messages.
- Tell your bank and local police. Nobody can “recover” your money for a fee: that's a scam too.
If an older person you know suddenly starts using bitcoin ATMs, talk with them. Scammers often tell victims to keep it secret.